“Heated Rivalry” is taking the world by storm, and we love it not just for its spicy and touching queer love story, but because Shane’s autism is shining a light on how we can all design our lives around our neurodivergence.
The show, produced by Accent Aigu Entertainment and streaming on HBO Max, is based on the Game Changers series by Rachel Reid. The author, as well as Hudson Williams, the actor who plays Shane in the series, have both confirmed Shane is autistic and that it’s canon in the Game Changers universe.
Many have noted and appreciated that Shane’s autism is never mentioned in the show itself, allowing for the love story between Shane and Ilya to shine at the forefront. “We see Ilya respond [to Shane’s neurodivergence] with such playfulness, humor, and patience,” says AuDHD therapist Mim Kempson in an Instagram Reel. It’s just part of their relationship, and Ilya loves him because of his traits, not despite them.
We loved seeing Shane’s neurodivergent traits show up throughout the show — and the ways he designed his life around his neurodivergence. It made us feel seen and inspired. Here are a few details we loved:
His Career In Hockey
Having a career where you’re able to be physical, move around, and stay on your feet can be a dream for us neurodivergents. And the rhythmic nature of skating can be incredibly regulating! Not to mention hockey is clearly a special interest to Shane, so dedicating all his time and energy to it? A win-win. The only downside might be the press conferences and interviews, but he seems to push through those as best he can.
The Cottage
Of course we’re coming to the cottage. It’s so fun, so private, a place to be completely alone, surrounded by nature and stupid Canadian wolf birds, of course. We love taking time to rest and recharge, get out in nature, and get away from people for a little while. And we love that Shane does too.
Shane’s Support System
Shane surrounds himself with people who get him, and not only get him but reach out, make plans, and check in on him. We see him be friends with neurotypical Hayden and Rose, who are always reaching out to make plans, embracing him for who he is, and even adapting to his idiosyncrasies, all with love. For example, Hayden asks him to come over for dinner and is willing to adapt to Shane’s food preferences, and he’s so chill when Shane’s awkwardly lying about meeting up with Ilya. We also see Shane’s parents being a large support system for him, including their help with the business side of his hockey career, which he’s notably less interested in. He’s surrounded himself with a support system who loves and supports him, and Ilya becomes a part of that, too.
“Let’s just be honest with each other about what we actually think and maybe how we really feel.”
Has anyone else here ever given up on guessing and decided to just ask if we can all be honest for a second? Shane is right there with us. We love that at the cottage he finally asks if they can just say what they’re feeling… and let’s be honest, it was probably killing him not to just be open about it this whole time. Truly a relatable moment, and we love that he’s advocating for his needs!
Shane Is Really Bad Liar
Which brings us to our final point. The man cannot lie (or at least he can’t lie well) and we love him for it. He clearly feels a deep sense of truth and justice. When he’s talking with his mom (*SPOILER AHEAD*) after she finds out about him and Ilya, he apologizes for lying and it’s clear it was weighing on him. Lying is really hard for him. And in the final scene, Shane’s dad asks Ilya and Shane if they’re planning on keeping their relationship a secret until they retire. Shane answers sheepishly, whereas Ilya answers more confidently. Living with a lie this big is incredibly hard for both of them, but for Shane, there’s the added layer of it going against his natural tendency toward truth- and justice-seeking. Oh and when he planned out the next 10+ years of their life together to try to find a way to be openly friends… yeah, that too.
We see you, and we are you, Shane.
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